Bertram Nicholls was born in Manchester. Studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in 1901-04. Exhibited regularly at the RA, showing for the first time in 1912. His painting Drying the Sails was bought by the Tate Gallery in 1921. Exhibited widely in Britain and abroad, having first one man show at Barbizon House in 1924. President of RBA in 1931-47 and MAFA 1921-31. His work is represented in many public collections.